Genetic Algorithm Based Maximum Power
Tracking in Solar Power Generation
Prakash Kumar, Gaurav Jain, Dheeraj Kumar Palwalia
UCE, Rajasthan Technical University, Kota, Rajasthan, India
Abstract— This paper presents genetic algorithm (GA) based
maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for photovoltaic (PV)
array integrated with battery storage unit (BSU) as power
generation unit in standalone mode. PV generation depends on
solar irradiance, site location and environmental factors like
temperature, wind and. Thus output of PV output is fluctuating in
nature and the addition of non linear load make the situation
more critical. GA based MPPT for PV generation works for local
optimal solution. DC/DC and boost converter has been used to
obtain rated desired rated voltage. BSU acts as secondary source
to ensure uninterrupted power supply. A suitable three phase
voltage source inverter (VSI), at point of common coupling (PCC),
provides regulated power supply. Boost converters incorporating
proportional controller (PI) increases PV voltage up to 400V.
Conventionally used perturb and observe (PO) algorithm has
been used for comparative study. Controlled pulse width
modulated (PWM) switching pulse for converter unit and single
section LC filter at output terminal eliminates harmonic
components. To exhibit the system compatibility resistive,
reactive, asynchronous induction motor and nonlinear load has
been switched at different instants for variable solar irradiance
and temperature.
Index Terms— battery storage, fuel cell, MPPT, genetic
algorithm, PV generation, voltage source converter.
I. INTRODUCTION
The high solar potential, i.e. about 20,000 times the total
world demand of electricity, has not yet been exploited due to
technical and economical lags. Solar energy is omnipresent and
available round the globe free of cost. Beside all these
advantages, PV generation is sure to remain unavailable during
night time. Therefore, secondary power source like BSU need
to be integrated with PV to assure uninterrupted power supply
in standalone mode. BSU also acts as power conditioner and
integrated VSI minimizes THD as well as works as active
power filter. In order to track maximum power a number of
approaches, commonly known as maximum power point
tracker (MPPT), have been made. Among the commonly
applied MPPT approaches; like purterb & observe (PO), power
matching, incremental conductance, fractional open-circuit
voltage/short-circuit current, power differential feedback
control, curve fitting, dc-link capacitor droop control,
intelligent control, and some other special control methods; PO
is commonly used due to its simplicity and good results [1-9].
Due to dynamic nature of GA, it has drawn attention of
power system researchers to explore and exploit renewable
energy sources optimally. This paper deals with comparative
978-1-4799-8371-1/15/$31.00 2015
c IEEE
study of GA and PO for exploration and exploitation of
renewable energy sources optimally.
II. MODEL OF HYBRID PV-BSU SYSTEM
Dynamic PV hybrid model consisting of individual PV array
and BSU is connected to point of common coupling (PCC)
through bus bars. It is assumed that PV output power changes
round the clock. Partial shading condition has been neglected,
i.e. PV array is either fully exposed to sun light or fully shaded,
to avoid reverse biasing condition or local heat spot formation
in PV module [10]. The modern PV module consists of PV
cells, mounting structure, MPPT mechanism, converters,
storage unit, electrical & mechanical connections to regulate
and utilize electrical output [11]. The electrical power output of
PV module depends on electrical, thermal, PV spectral and
optical property of PV cell array and PV angle & irradiance
[12]. The technical problems such as islanding detection,
harmonic distortion, electromagnetic interference and low
efficiency of PV cells are major bottle neck for widespread
application of PV systems [13].
A. PV Power Generation
Conventionally PV cells were designed based on band gap
energy (eV). Low band gap energy have high current (I=eNA)
but low voltage (V=Eg/e), and vice versa. Here, e is electron
charge, N is the number of photons, Eg is energy gap, and A is
the surface area of solar cell. Therefore, it was preferred to use
materials with energy gap between 1 and 1.8 eV like crystal
silicon (1.12 eV), amorphous silicon (1.75 eV), copper indium
diselenide (1.05eV), cadmium telluride (1.45 eV), gallium
arsenide (1.42 eV) and indium phosphate (1.34 eV) [14, 15].
These modules are rated in terms of peak kilowatts (KWp) i.e.,
the amount of expected electrical power output when the sun is
directly overhead on a clear day.
A solar cell is generally represented by one diode model as
shown in fig. 1.
IPV
IC RS
ID IR P
+
Dependent
Parameters
Constant
(Temp,
Current
VD RP VPV
Irrediance, etc.
Generator
-
Fig: 1 One diode model of PV cell
1
 The model includes a constant current sourcce representing RI
I sc = I PV − I 0 ª¬e( s sc
nkT )
− 1¼º − ¨§ s sc ·
eR I
PV cell, a diode, a shunt resistance RP and a sseries resistance
© Rsh ¸¹
RS. The basic terms involved in PV conversioon are given as: (7)
V .I Pm
VD And, FF = m m =
I PV = I C − I D − = I C − I D − I RP Voc .I sc Voc .I sc
RP (1)
(8)

VPV = VD − Rs I PV (2)
Here, Si is solar irradiance, Voc is open circuit voltage, Vsc is
short circuit voltage, and FF is fill faactor (0.5 to 1).

(
I D = I 0 e(VD nkT )
−1 ) (3)
§ NOCT − 20 · 0
T = Ta + ¨ ¸ Si
© 0.8 ¹ (4)
Where, I0 is saturation current, VD is dioode voltage, ID is
diode current, k is Boltzmann’s constant (1.338x10-23J/K), n is
numerical constant (1 for germanium and 2 for silicon), T is
junction temperature, Ta is ambient temperatuure, and NOCT is
cell temperature in a module when ambient ttemperature is 20
0
C. Fig: 4 Change in the characteristtics due to the change in
solar insolations

B. Battery Storage Unit

Due to simplicity and robust workinng if lead acid battery; it is
generally used with PV module. Th he equivalent circuit of the
battery is shown in fig 5. The param
meters of battery have been
given in appendix.

Fig:2 Change in the characteristics due to tthe change in

temperature

Fig. 5 Equivalent circuitt of the battery

III. OBJECTIVE FUNCTIO

ON FORMULATION
Fig: 3 Typical I-V characteristic of a solar cell in
The constraints taken under consiideration include power of
steady-state operation
the PV module and battery. GA and PO aim at tracking
Conversion efficiency (Ș) of PV cell is givven as the ratio of maximum power output and minimiizing the objective function
maximum power output (Pmo) and input poweer (Pin) at a given to global optimal result. Algorithm traces global maxima and
cell temperature T. minima by voltage versus poweer curve. Power balance
constraints for any period includees power supplied by the
Pmo Pmo (Voc .I sc ) FF hybrid generation and load demand,, i.e. generated power must
η= = = meet total load demand, satisfying power quality and reliability
Pin ASi ASi (5) constraints.
nkT ª § I L + I 0 · º
Where, Voc = « log ¨ ¸» PPV + PBSU ≥ Pload
e ¬ © I0 ¹¼ (9)
(6)

2 2015 International Conference on Power and Advanced Control Engineering (ICPACE)

 From power curve of selected PV module, it is obtained that
voltage increases from 0 to VPV. Power curve first increases to a
maximum point and then gradually decreases to minimum
value. PV module operating condition is selected so as to assure
maximum power operating point. Partial shading condition has
been neglected to overcome malfunctioning conditions of PV
array.
In order to track MPPT with ABC, gbest-ABC, and PO;
transformation of Y-axis has been suggested. Axis
transformation is done so as to obtain mirror image of voltage
power graph. It is given as:
Pnew = (PPV,max + 50 ) − Pinst
(10)
And, N PV , N BSU ≥ 0
(11)
Here Pnew is new transformed value, Ppv max is maximum
power point in power curve, and Pinst is instantaneous power.
The factor 50 is taken to avoid interference in transformation at
Ppv,max and obtain effective transformation.
For BSU, it is assured that
PBSU,min ≥ PBSU ≥ PBSU,max
(12)
And, PBSU,min = (1 − DOD ) .PBSU,max
(13)
Here, PBSU,min, PBSU, and PBSU,max are minimum, actual and
maximum capacity of BSU respectively; and DOD is depth of
discharge of BSU.
IV. GENETIC ALGORITHM
A. Gbest-ABC Algorithm
GBest ABC is based on GA problem based on behavior of
honey bee. It incorporates honey bees into employed and
unemployed bees (UB). Number of employed bees (EB) is
equal to UB. 10 to 15% of UB are scout bees (SB) and rests are
onlooker bees (OB). SB search new and abandoned food source
(FS) randomly without prior knowledge and gather the
information about the quality of FS. As soon as SB finds new
FS, it becomes EB and carries nectar to hive. It deposits nectar
at hive and starts waggle dance to motivate OB. Waggle dance
is one of the important activities because updated food
information is shared in the dancing area. OB stays in the hive,
watches waggle dance and updates food quality information.
Food quality generally depends on distance of FS from hive,
amount of nectar and food quantity. OB always have option of
either becoming SB, stay at hive to watch waggle dance and
update information gathered by EB or become EB by
motivation of one of the best options among many dancing
bees. When EB return to hive with nectar, they also have choice
to remain an employed bee, waggle dance and motivate OB to
exploit FS or become OB. This process continues until food
source is depleted and all employed bees become unemployed.
Assumptions made:
1. Food quality depends on quality & quantity of nectar
and distance of FS.
2015 International Conference on Power and Advanced Control Engineering (ICPACE)
2. Once a bee becomes an EB, it remains EB until FS is
depleted temporarily or permanently.
3. UB always look for FS by watching waggle dance,
employ themselves by motivation or become SB.
4. Each FS has dedicated EB, SB and common OB.
5. EB always updates information with OB and SB
regularly investigates abandoned FS.
Algorithm starts with no previous information about best FS.
First of all variables like total population (TP) of bee, maximum
number of cycles (MNC), objective function, and function
variables are defined. Function for calculation of fitness of
objective function for each FS is initiated by minimizing the
greedy selection function. Depending on information of quality
of nectar updated by EB and hive storage, nectar is carried by
EB to the hive. Excess nectar is stored separately for future
usages.
Food position gets updated in every cycle as per fitness
solution by EB and SB. For known and abandoned FS, position
of each FS is represented in three dimensions viz. population (i
= 1, 2, ..., TP), dimensional variable (j= 1, 2, ..., D), and specific
objective function (k= 1, 2, ..., OF). Number of cycle represents
number of iterations and needs to be minimized for optimal
solution in a given position.
If the upper and lower bounds of ith bee xi for kth variable in jth
direction is xminjk and xmaxjk respectively and rand [0, 1] is a
uniformly distributed random number in the range [0, 1]; SB
initiates search of new FS as:
(
x ijk = x min jk + rand [ 0,1] x max jk − x min jk ) 14)
When SB finds a food source, it becomes EB and returns to
hive with nectar and updates food position xijk with OB. In the
consequent cycles, OB checks new position with previous
position xpjk and updates the information as:
(
vijk = x ijk + φijk x ijk − x pkj ) (15)
Where, i, j are randomly chosen and ij. ijk is a random
number between [-1, 1]. After generating new position, optimal
position is updated and old one is removed from memory. The
probability pi that the new FS position is optimal depends on
solution fitness solution given by:
( fitness )i
pi = TP
¦ ( fitness )n (16)
n =1
In order to achieve better feasible solution, FS must be
explored and exploited optimally. ABC algorithm is good at
exploration but not in terms of exploration as the probability of
getting a good FS and a bad FS is equal. So by getting inspired
by other algorithms like particle swarm optimization,
exploitation capability of gbest ABC can be improved as:
( )
vijk = x ijk + φijk x ij − x pjk + ψ ijk (y jk − x ijk )
(17)
3
 Where, Ȍijk is a non-negative random number in range [0, C],
yjk is jth term of global best solution. Parameterr “C” controls the
rate of exploitation and exploration. Higher vvalue of “C” leads
to better exploration and lower exploitation; hence need to be
taken carefully.
B. Perturb and observe Algorithm
In this algorithm a slight perturbation is iintroduced in the
system. Due to this perturbation, module pow wer changes. If the
power increases due to the perturbation then tthe perturbation is
continued in that direction. After the peak pow
wer is reached the
power at the next instant decreases and hennce after that the Fig. 8 MPPT buck converteer output voltage
perturbation reverses.
The PV array output current & voltage are shown in fig. 7.
When the steady state is reached the alggorithm oscillates
The PV array Current is 5A and voltaage is 45 volts. MPPT buck
around the peak point. In order to keep thee power variation converter result has been shown in fig.
fi 8. It is observed that the
small the perturbation size is kept very small.. The algorithm is MPPT buck converter maintains th he PV array output to 45
developed in such a manner that it sets a refference voltage of
volts. The output of boost converteer is depicted in fig 9. The
the module corresponding to the peak voltage of the module. A
voltage is boosted to 400 volts.
PI controller then acts moving the operatiing point of the
BSU is used as back-up or storrage purpose. Discharging
module to that particular voltage level. It is obbserved that some
characteristic is shown in fig 12. BSU used here contains
power loss occur due to this perturbation. Alsoo the method has a lead-acid battery due to long life an nd simplicity. The DC link
disadvantage to track the power under fast varrying atmospheric voltage is shown in fig. 11. It is also
o around 400 volts.
conditions. Yet this algorithm is popular and considered
simple. Output line voltage and current waveforms
w has been shown
in fig 10. In fig 10, it is observed thaat the designed filter works
satisfactorily and the output wave fo orms are sinusoidal.

500

450

400

350
Boost converter2 voltage

300

Fig. 6 Perturb and observe algorith

hm 250

V. SIMULATION RESULTS 200

150

Simulation has been done in matlab simuulink platform to

100
obtain results of hybrid PV-BSU generatiion system. The
simulation results for PV array, MPPT buckk converter, boost 50

converter, 3-phase inverter and LC filter has bbeen obtained. 0

0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.2
Time

6 Fig. 9 Boost converter output

o voltage
5
PVCurrent

0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0
Time

50

40
PVVoltage

30

20

10

0
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0
Time

Fig: 7 PV array current and voltage for P

PVA alone Fig. 10 Line voltage and currrents wave forms

4 2015 International Conference on Power and Advanced Control Engineering (ICPACE)

 500
Magnitude of three line voltages for
fo different values of L and
Dc Link Voltage 400 C has been given in table 2. Frrom table it is seen that
fundamental values of three line voltages
v are maximum at
300 L=1.63 mH, and C=450ȝF.
200 Fig. 13 shows comparative curve for
f MPPT techniques using
ABC, gbest ABC, and PO using pow wer curve for PV irradiance.
100
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 PO is the most robust and simplee in application but lacks
Time exploitation of PV power at high her irradiance. At normal
Fig. 11 DC link voltage irradiance below 650 W/m2, PO has been
b found to exhibit better
results while for higher irradiance,, gbest ABC gives higher
power output. Table 3 shows power obtained at different
irradiance value.

Fig. 12 Battery discharge chaaracteristic

THD obtained for all three line voltage wavveforms has been
given in table 1. THD is lowest for the inducttor ‘L= 1.63 mH’ Fig. 13 Comparison of MPPT tech
hnique for ABC, gbest
and capacitance ‘C= 450uF’. The lowest THD is for line ABC, and PO
voltage AB (V_ABL) 11.88%, line voltagge BC (V_BCL)
11.19% and line voltage CA (V_CAL), 5.04% % Table 3: Output power of PV arra
ay at different irradiance:
Table 1: THD at different value of L and
dC
Power by diffeerent algorithms (W)
L C THD THD THD Irradiance
S.No. ABC Gbest
G ABC PO
(mH) (ȝF) (V_ABL) (V_BCL)) (V_CAL)
1 1.157 250 12.31% 11.66% 5.54% 950 196.002 196.012 146.201
2 1.157 450 12.26% 12.01% 5.48% 750 148.879 155.013 137.658
550 100.786 103.012 106.1
3 1.63 220 12.07% 11.40% 5.38%
250 28.346 29.048 30.003
4 1.63 300 12.01% 11.65% 5.38%
5 1.63 250 12% 11.46% 5.31%
VI. CONCLU
USION
6 1.63 280 11.87% 11.15% 5.19%
7 1.63 330 11.77% 11.01% 5.18% In this paper hybrid PV-BSU geeneration system has been
8 1.63 450 11.88% 11.19% 5.04% studied and useful results have beenb accumulated. MPPT
techniques based on GA has beeen compared and found
Table 2: Fundamental value of line voltagees at different competitive with conventional PO algorithm. GA based MPPT
value of L and C for PVA alone for PV generation works for local opptimal solution. DC/DC and
boost converter has been implemen nted successfully to obtain
L C ( V_ABL) (V_BCLL) (V_CAL) line voltage of 400V. Single section LC filter at output terminal
S.No.
(mH) (ȝF) rms rms rms eliminates harmonic components.
1 1.157 250 253.1 251.6 238.1 APPENDIIX
2 1.157 450 258.7 257.6 243.5
3 1.63 220 247.4 246.8 233 A. Photovoltaic Array specificatiions
4 1.63 300 250.5 249.9 236
Electron charge=1.602 × 10-19(C)
5 1.63 250 248.6 248 234.1 Boltzmann constant=1.38 × 10-23 J//oK.
6 1.63 280 249.8 248.9 235 Photocurrent=5A
7 1.63 330 251.8 250.9 236.9 Reverse saturation current of diode=
=.0002A
8 1.63 450 256.5 255.4 241.2

2015 International Conference on Power and Advanced Control Engineering (ICPACE) 5

Series resistance of cell=.001 Ÿ
Reference cell operating temperature=200C
B. Battery specification
-1
B= Exponential capacity (Ah) = 25
R=Internal resistance (ohms) =.066667
E0 = Constant voltage (V) =421.5
Q = Battery capacity (Ah) =150
A = Exponential voltage (V) =22
C. Boost converter2 specification
IGBT switch
Capacitor=7500ȝF
Inductor =5ȝH
Resistance=.2ohm
D. MPPT Buck converter specification
Capacitor =4400ȝF
Inductor =4ȝH
MOSFET switch
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AUTHORS:
Prakash Kumar: Presently he is PhD Scholar in Electrical
Engineering Department, university college of Engg, Kota. He
has done M.Tech and B.tech in year 2012 and 2008
respectiverly. His research interest includes in Power System
and Renewable energy.
Gaurav Jain: Presently he is PhD Scholar in Electrical
Engineering Department, university college of Engg, Kota. He
has done M.Tech from Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College
Ludhiana, India. His research interest includes in Power
System, Power Plant Engineering and Transmission pricing.
Dheeraj Kumar Palwalia: Presently he is a Dy. Director
(Acad) Rajasthan Technical University and Associate Prof. in
Electrical Engineering Department in University College of
Engg., RTU, Kota, India. He received the Ph.D. degree from
Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. His research interest
includes in power quality, Power System and Transmission
pricing.